Dear Shareholders,
Your Directors are pleased to present their 33rd Report together with the
Audited Financial Statements of your Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024
1. Financial Highlights -The highlights of the financial results of the Company
for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 are as under:-
Financial Highlights |
|
Rs Lakhs |
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Income |
|
|
Revenue from operations |
3,575.91 |
1,865.11 |
Other Income |
60.40 |
18.19 |
Total Income |
3,636.31 |
1,883.30 |
Expenditure |
|
|
Cost of Materials Purchased |
383.28 |
214.67 |
Changes in inventories of finished goods work-in-progress and
Stock-in-Trade |
4.31 |
21.63 |
Employee benefits expense |
734.16 |
588.16 |
Other expenses |
1,760.28 |
682.05 |
Profit Before Depreciation Interest & Tax |
754.28 |
376.78 |
Less |
|
|
Finance Costs |
130.61 |
65.35 |
Depreciation and amortization expense |
360.55 |
263.81 |
Profit for the year before Tax |
263.11 |
47.61 |
Tax expense: |
|
|
(1) Current tax |
19.50 |
36.11 |
(2) Deferred tax |
(11.96) |
(16.71) |
Net Profit for the year after Tax |
255.58 |
28.22 |
Other Comprehensive Income Net |
(0.60) |
6.01 |
Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
256.18 |
22.21 |
Earnings per equity share |
1.90 |
0.16 |
2. Review of Operations & Business - KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the year the company was also able to improve its Net Profits from 28.22 lakhs
recorded in the financial year 2022-23 to Rs 255.58 lakhs in the financial year 2023-24
The earning per share also increased from Rs 0.16 to Rs 1.90 during the financial year
2023-24
3. Share Capital
During the year under review, the Company has increased its Authorized Share Capital
from Rs 15 Crores to 25 Crores There was no change in the issues, subscribed and paid-up
capital ,During the year under review, the Company did not issue any shares with
differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
4. Dividend
In compliance with Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing
Regulations"),the Dividend Distribution Policy of the Company is annexed herewith as
Annexure I and is also available on the Company's website at:
https://www.espirehospitality.com/investors/investor-information However the company has
not declared any dividend for the year.
5.Transfer to Reserve
The Directors of your Company do not propose to transfer any amount to reserves
6. Related Party Transaction
All transactions entered with related parties during the year under review were on
arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business. Your Company has not entered
into any contracts / arrangements / transactions with related parties which could be
considered material in accordance with the policy of the Company i.e. Policy on
Materiality of and dealing with Related Party Transactions ("RPT Policy").
Further, transactions entered by the Company with related parties in the normal course of
business were approved by the Audit Committee and placed before the Board.There were no
materially significant related party transactions with the Promoters, Directors and Key
Managerial Personnel, which may have a potential conflict with the interest of the Company
at large. The RPT Policy as approved by the Audit Committee and the Board is available on
the website of the Company at:
https://www.espirehospitality.com/investors/investor-information The Directors of your
Company draw attention of the Members to Note No. 33 to the Standalone Financial
Statements which sets out related party disclosure.
7. Particulars of Loans and Advances,Guarantees, Investments and Securities
The company has neither granted nor provided any guarantee or made investment
attracting the provisions of section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013.
8. Significant and Material Orders passed by the Regulators or Courts
There were no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators / Courts /
Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its operations in
the future.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility
Section 135 of the Companies Act,2013 are not applicable on the company , as none of
the prescribed conditions are applicable on the company.
10. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting
The provisions of BRSR are not applicable on the company for the f.y 2023-24
11.Corporate Governance Report
A Report on Corporate Governance along with a certificate from the Statutory Auditors
of the Company regarding the compliance of conditions of corporate governance as
stipulated under Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, forms part of this Annual
Report
13. Management Discussion and AnalysisReport
A detailed analysis of the Company's operational and financial performance as well as
the initiatives taken by the Company in key functional areas such as Resort Operations,
Member Experience, Business Excellence, Human Resources and Information Technology are
separately discussed in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms part of
this Annual Report.
14. Whistle Blower Policy & Vigil Mechanism
As per the provisions of Section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 22 of the SEBI
Listing Regulations, the Company is required to establish an effective Vigil Mechanism for
Directors, employees and other stakeholders to report genuine concerns. The details of the
Whistle Blower Policy and Vigil Mechanism have been disclosed in the Corporate Governance
Report, which forms part of this Annual Report
15 . Employees' Stock Options
Employees' Stock Options represent a reward system based on overall performance of the
individual employee and the Company. It helps the Company to attract, retain and motivate
the best available talent. This also encourages employees to align individual performances
with those of the Company and promotes increased participation by the employees in the
growth of the Company. However the company has not announce any ESOP during the year under
report.
16. Subsidiaries, Joint Venture and Associate companies
The Company has no Joint Venture Agreement, or Associate during the year.
17.Directors
Your Company has 7 Directors, which includes 3 Independent Directors, 3 Non-Executive
Non-Independent Directors ((including 1 woman Director)and 1 Managing Director.
Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh has shown his inability to continue as the Managing Director and
Director of the company, accordingly he has submitted his resignation w.e.f 29th of
December,2023.
Further, the Board at its Meeting held on 31st December,2023 ,appointed Mr.
Akhil Arora as an Additional Director and also as the Managing Director designated as
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, not liable to retire by
rotation, for a period of 5 (five) years w.e.f. 01st January,2024 to 31st December,2028(both
days inclusive), based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee
and subject to the approval of the Shareholders .He shall hold office as an Additional
Director upto the date of the ensuing AGM.
The Company has received the requisite Notice in writing from a Member under Section
160 of the Act proposing his candidature for the office of Director of the Company. The
approval of the shareholders for appointment of Mr. Akhil Arora as a Director and also as
the Managing Director designated as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company would be obtained at the ensuing AGM of the Company.
18. Declaration by Independent Directors under Subsection (6) of Section 149 of the Act
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company
confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed both under the Act
and SEBI Listing Regulations. In terms of Regulation 25(8) of SEBI Listing Regulations,
the Independent Directors have confirmed that they are not aware of any circumstance or
situation, which exists or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact
their ability to discharge their duties. Based on the declarations received from the
Independent Directors, the Board of Directors have confirmed that they meet the criteria
of Independence as mentioned under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of
SEBI Listing Regulations and that they are Independent of the Management. In the opinion
of the Board, there has been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as
Independent Directors of the Company and the Board is satisfied of the integrity,
expertise and experience (including proficiency in terms of Section 150(1) of the Act and
applicable Rules thereunder) of all Independent Directors on the Board.
In terms of Section 150 of the Act read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and
Qualification of Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have registered
themselves with the databank maintained by Retirement by rotation Mr. Amit Rai , retires
by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment at the ensuing AGM of
the Company scheduled to be held on 30th September,2024.
19. Key Managerial Personnel ("KMPs")
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, as on March 31, 2024, Mr.Akhil Arora, Managing
Director & CEO, Mr. Rajeev Chatterjee, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Sumeer Narain
Mathur Company Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer are the KMPs of the Company.
During the year under review, Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh resigned as the Managing Director and
Key Managerial Personnel of the Company w.e.f. the close of business hours on 29th December,2023
Further, the Board of Directors at their Meeting held on 31st December,2023
appointed Mr. Akhil Arora as the Managing Director and Key Managerial Personnel of the
Company .
Further during the year Mr Sumeer Narain Mathur holding duel position of Company
Secretary & Chief Financial Officer, stepped down from the post of Chief Financial
Officer w.e.f 14th August,2023 and Mr Rajeev Chatterjee was appointed as the
Chief Financial Officer w.e.f 15th August,2023.
20. Policy on Directors' Appointment and Remuneration
Your Company has adopted the following Policies which, positive attributes and
independence of a Director: 1. Policy on Appointment of Directors and Senior Management 2.
Policy on Remuneration of Directors and 3. Policy on Remuneration of Key Managerial
Personnel and Employees Policy (1) mentioned above includes the criteria for determining
qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a Director, identification of
persons who are qualified to become Directors and who may be appointed in the Senior
Management Team in accordance with the criteria laid down in the said Policy. Policies (2)
and (3) mentioned above set out the approach for Compensation of Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel and ther employees in the Company.
The aforesaid policies are also available at the link : https://
www.clubmahindra.com/investors/investor-information.
21. Board Evaluation
The Board has conducted an annual evaluation of its own performance, individual
Directors, Committees of the Board and that of its Non-Executive Chairperson, in terms of
the relevant provisions of the Act, Rules made thereunder and SEBI Listing Regulations.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (''NRC'') has defined the evaluation criteria
and procedure for the Performance Evaluation process for the Board, its Committees and
Directors including Independent Directors. The criteria for Board Evaluation includes
inter alia, composition and structure, effectiveness of board processes, information and
functioning of the Board, etc. The criteria for evaluation of the Committees of the Board
includes mandate of the Committee and composition and effectiveness of the Committee, etc.
The criteria for evaluation of individual Directors include aspects such as professional
qualifications, prior experience, integrity, independence and contribution of the
individual Director to the Board and Committee meetings like preparedness on the issues to
be discussed, meaningful and constructive contribution and inputs in meetings, etc.
In addition, the performance of the Chairperson is also evaluated on key aspects of his
role, including effectiveness of leadership and ability to steer meetings, impartiality,
ability to keep shareholders' interests in mind and effectiveness as Chairperson. The
above criteria are based on the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by the SEBI on
January 5, 2017.
The NRC has evaluated the performance of individual Directors. The performance
evaluation of the Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole was carried out by
the Independent Directors. The performance evaluation of the Chairperson of the Company
was also carried out by the Independent Directors taking into account the views of the
Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors. Performance Evaluation of Independent
Directors was carried out by the entire Board excluding the Director being evaluated. The
Annual Performance Evaluation was carried out by the Board in respect of its own
performance as well as the evaluation of the working of its Audit, Nomination and
Remuneration, Stakeholders Relationship, Corporate Social Responsibility, Risk Management
and Inventory Approval Committees. A structured questionnaire was prepared and circulated
amongst the Directors, covering various aspects of the evaluation such as adequacy of the
size and composition of the Board and Committees thereof with regards to skill,
experience, independence, execution and performance of specific duties, diversity,
attendance and adequacy of time given by the Directors to discharge their duties,
preparedness on the issues to be discussed, meaningful and constructive contributions,
inputs at the meetings, Corporate Governance practices, etc. The Directors expressed their
satisfaction with the evaluation process. Espire Hospitality
22. Number of Board Meetings
During the year under review, the Board of Directors met 6 (six) times. The details of
the Board Meetings and attendance of the Directors are provided in the Corporate
Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
23. Composition of Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises of 3 (three) Directors viz Mr Pramod Bhatnagar,Mr Amit
Kumar Jain & Mr. Dileep Kumar, as its Chairperson . Further details are provided in
the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report. During the year
under review, all recommendations of the Audit Committee were accepted by the Board.
24. Directors' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, your Directors, to theirbest of their knowledge
and ability, confirm that :
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2024, the
applicable Accounting Standards had been followed and there is no material departure;
b) b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and
made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2024 and of the profit of
the Company for the year ended on that date;
c) they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the
assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) the annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
e) the Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively; and
f) the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions
of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
25. Internal Financial Controls and their Adequacy
Your Company has an adequate internal controls system, commensurate with the size and
nature of its business. The system is supported by documented policies, guidelines and
procedures to monitor business and operational performance which are aimed at ensuring
business integrity and remoting operational efficiency.
Pursuant to Rule 8(5)(viii) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, and based on the
framework of internal financial controls and compliance systems established and maintained
by the Company, the assessments and audit carried out by the internal auditors, and
external consultants, including the audit of internal financial controls over financial
reporting by the statutory auditors and the reviews performed by management and the Audit
Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company's internal financial controls laid
down with reference to the Financial Statements were adequate and operating effectively
during the financial year 2023-24.
Further details are provided in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which
forms part of this Annual Report
26. Risk Management
Your Company has a well-defined risk management framework to identify and evaluate
elements of business risk. The Board of Directors have constituted the Risk Management
Committee pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 21 of the SEBI Listing Regulations and
its prime responsibility is to oversee the implementation of the Risk Management Policy of
the Company. Your Company has developed and implemented a Risk Management Policy which is
approved by the Board. The Risk Management Policy, inter-alia, includes identification of
risks, including cyber curity and related risks and also those which in the opinion of the
Board may threaten the existence of the Company. The Audit Committee has an oversight in
the area of financial risk and controls. Other details including details pertaining to
various risks faced by your Company and also development
27. Disclosure requirements
Pursuant to Regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations,
details of transactions with persons or entities belonging to the promoter/ promoter group
which holds 10% or more shareholding in the Company, are furnished under Note No. 51 to
the Standalone Financial Statements which sets out related party disclosure; The
provisions in respect of maintenance of cost records as specified under sub-section (1) of
Section 148 of the Act are not applicable to your Company; During the year under review,
there was no change in the nature of business of the Company; During the year under
review, there was no issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the
Company under any Scheme, save and except Employees Stock Option Schemes referred to in
this Report; The Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company
Secretaries of India and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively; During
the year under review, there was no revision of financial statements and Board's Report of
the Company; During the year under review, your Company has not made any application and
there are no proceedings pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016;
Your Co mpany has no borrowings as on March 31, 2024 and hence, the requirement of
providing details of difference between amount of the valuation done at the time of
one-time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from the banks / financial
institutions along with the reasons thereof is not applicable to the Company; and During
the year under review, there were no voting rights which are not directly exercised by the
employees in respect of shares for the subscription / purchase of which loan was given by
the Company (as there is no scheme pursuant to which such persons can beneficially old
shares as envisaged under section 67(3)(c) of the Act
28.Audiors
A1- Statutory Auditors
In terms of the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act,2013 read with the
Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules,2014 as amended vide the Companies (Amendment)
Act,2017 and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Amendment Rules,2018 respectively, M/s
Bansal & Co,LLP, Chartered Accountants ,( (ICAI Firm Regn No: 001113N/N500079), the
auditors of the Company, hold office for a consecutive period of five years until the
conclusion Thirty Fifth (35th) Annual General Meeting of the company to be held for the
financial year 2025-26 and their appointment is not required to be ratified each year at
Annual General Meeting of the Company.
The Auditors have confirmed to the company that they continue to remain eligible to
hold office as the Auditors and not disqualified for being so appointed under the
Companies Act,2013, the Chartered Accountants Act,1949 and the rules and regulations made
thereunder.
A2- Auditors Report
The Report given by the statutory auditors for the financial year 2022-23 on the
financial statement of the Company is part of the Annual Report. There has been no
qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer in their Report.
B-Secretarial Auditors
The Secretarial Audit was carried out by M/s. RSH & Associates, Company Secretaries
(Peer Review Certificate number:1719/2022) for the financial year 2022-23. The Report
given by the Secretarial Auditors is annexed as Annexure 3 and forms an integral
part of this Report. Explanations to their qualifications are as under:
Annual Secretarial Compliance Report
In compliance with the Regulation 24A of SEBI Listing Regulations, your Company has
undertaken an audit for the financial year 2023-24 for all applicable compliances as per
SEBI Regulations and Circulars / Guidelines issued thereunder.
The Annual Secretarial Compliance Report issued by M/s. RSM & Associates
Secretaries, has already been submitted to the Stock Exchanges within 60 days from the end
of the financial year and is annexed to this Annual Report.
29. Reporting of Frauds by Auditors
During the year under review, the Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditor have not
reported any instances of frauds committed in the Company by its Officers or Employees to
the Audit Committee under Section 143(12) of the Act, details of which need to be
mentioned in this Report.
30. Deposits
Your Company has not accepted any deposits from public or its employees and, as such no
amount on account of principal or interest on deposit were outstanding as of the Balance
Sheet date.
There are no deposits which are not in compliance with the requirements of the Act.
31. Credit Rating
There is no credit rating being undertaken by the company
32. Material Changes and Commitment affecting Financial Position of the Company
There are no material changes and commitments, affecting financial position of the
Company which have occurred from the end of the financial year of the Company i.e. March
31, 2024 till the date of the Board's Report.
33. Annual Return
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(a) and Section 92(3) of the Act read with Rule 12 of the
Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return in form MGT-7, as
of March 31, 2024, has been placed on the website f the Company and can be accessed at
https://www.espirehospitality.com/investors/financials.
34. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and
Outgo
Your Company continuously strives to conserve energy, adopt environment friendly
practices and employ technology for more efficient operations. Some of these initiatives
are discussed in the section on Sustainability in the Management Discussion and Analysis
Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
In absence of any manufacturing activities, no details have been given as required
under Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules framed there under.
35. Human Resources
Your Company is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce by actively
focusing on hiring and development of diverse talent. During the year under review, the
Company has rolled out various initiatives to strengthen inclusion at the workplace, for
instance, workshops on "Unconscious Bias" and "Allyship" focused on
leadership capability to lead and develop diverse teams. At Res orts, the Company has been
hiring Specially Abled Talent and supporting them through mentorship initiatives and
accessible resources to create an inclusive work environment that nurtures their growth
and success.
The Company continues its concerted efforts towards building talent from within and has
a robust talent management process aimed to develop capability of talent to take on
diverse role
Disclosures pertaining to The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:
Your Company has a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto covering all
the aspects as contained under The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act"). Your
Company has also complied with provisions relating to the constitution of Internal
Complaints Committee under the POSH Act and the Committee includes external members from
NGO and / or members with relevant experience. There were no complaints pending at the
beginning of the year. During the year under review, 21 (Twenty One) complaints were
received and 20 (Twenty) were resolved by taking appropriate actions as per the provisions
of the POSH Act. 1 (One) complaint was pending as on March 31, 2024.
36. Particulars of Employees
The disclosure with respect to the remuneration of Directors, KMPs and employees under
Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 ("the Rules"), is annexed
herewith as Annexure VI and forms part of this report.
37. Ethics Framework
The Company's revised Code of Conduct (''the Code'') for employees outlines the
commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and fairness. The refreshed Code
has been contemporized and aligned with the changes in the internal and the external
environments. It enables the Company to make the right choices and demonstrate the highest
standards of integrity and ethical behaviour. The Ethics & Governance framework is
also anchored by clearly defined policies and procedures, covering areas such as
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, Policy on Gifts & Entertainment, Policy on
Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Whistle Blower Policy to ensure robust
Corporate Governance.
38. Acknowledgement and Appreciation
The Directors of your Company take this opportunity to thank the Company's Customers,
Shareholders, Suppliers, Bankers and the Central and State Governments for their unstinted
support. The Directors would like to place on record their appreciation to the employees
at all levels for their hard work, dedication and commitment.
For & On Behalf of |
the Board. |
Gagan Oberoi |
Place: New Delhi |
Chairperson |
Delhi: 02nd Sept, 2024 |
|